Philippine banana imports may threaten Aussie gowers
Updated
Australian banana growers say allowing bananas grown in the Philippines into the country would devastate the local industry.
Biosecurity Australia's final risk analysis report recommends clearing the way for Cavendish bananas to be imported from the Philippines if several conditions are met.
They include only accepting fruit from areas with low pest levels and using Australian quarantine officers to inspect plantations and packing sheds.
Queensland farmer Patrick Leahy says Filipino growers would flood the market with cheap fruit.
"It's not healthy competition," he said.
"Once these guys come in and they knock us out of the industry and they've got a set market where they can bring in x amount every week you'll see the price go through the roof."
Growers and other industry representatives have a month to respond to Biosecurity Australia's proposal.
